Darren Fletcher has played 13 matches this season after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 13 months ago (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to resolve his ulcerative colitis condition.

The Scotland international was diagnosed with the illness in December 2011 and did not play for the remainder of the campaign, but the 28-year-old made a welcome return to action in Manchester United’s Champions League tie with Galatasaray in September and has since featured in 12 games for club and country.

But Fletcher has elected to write-off the rest of the season in order to have the operation which should benefit his long-term career and overall health.

Darren Fletcher will miss games for club and country for the rest of the season (Picture: Getty)

A statement on the Manchester United website said: ‘We wish to stress this was a planned procedure undertaken at the optimal time having achieved a period of sustained good general health, as illustrated by the fact that Darren has trained with the team regularly this season and been available for selection right up to the operation.

‘Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the Club that he won’t be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long-term health and we look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.’